Awapikopiko Reserve

Awaikopiko Reserve is 28 hectares of bush that was gifted by the Druce family to the QEII National Trust in 1996.

It is located 2 km up Druce Road, off Kumeroa Road, and is approximately 17 km from the Tararua i-SITE at Woodville.

The reserve is predominately a podocarp – Tawa forest remnant of the original Forty Mile Bush that also has an area of mature Kanuka forest. There have been 131 native trees and plants recorded in the reserve.

The strip of reserve between Druce Road and Awapikopiko Stream was originally open grass but David and Josephine Druce planted this with thousands of natives approximately 30 years ago. They purchased the flax but all the other plants where grown from seed collected from the bush. This area is now self-sustaining and is a good example of mature well executed restoration planting.

There is a short limed track from Druce Road over a bridge to a nice area suitable for picnics beside a pond. This section of track and bridge is pushchair friendly. The track entrance is signposted from the road.

From the pond there are two track options. Both of these tracks are tramping grade tracks and are not suitable for pushchairs. They can be slippery when wet and suitable footwear should be worn.

The Short Loop Track is approximately 900 metres long. It is through tawa forest with occasional tall kahikatea. This track goes past a tall Northern Rata and a large, very old, Hinau tree.

The Druce Track is 2.1 kilometres long. It goes through tawa forest with kahikatea, totara and rimu and also an area of mature kanuka forest.

Dogs are permitted in Awapikopiko Reserve but they must be on a lead at all times and owners must take clean up bags and clean up after their dogs.

At times there will be poisoned bait in bait stations in the reserve for rat and possum control. Owners take dogs at their own risk.

For more information contact the QEII National Trust on 04 472 6626 or the QEII Tararua Reprsentative Bill Wallace on 06 376 7796